Strengthening Nutrition Capacity through Learning from the National to the Local Level

Why Is One Training Course Not Enough?

Large-scale programmes involve people, regions and working conditions that vary widely. A national training course may give those who attend a good understanding, but it does not automatically reach the people delivering services every day.

Tiered, or cascading, training provides a pathway for knowledge to spread from the national level to regional and local levels. Each tier prepares facilitators who understand the material and can help others learn and apply it.

Records from the Center of Excellence Pemenuhan Gizi Nasional (CoE-PGN) in 2025–2026 show this model being practised through a series of training of trainers (ToT) activities in regions including Surabaya, Papua, Medan, Jakarta, Balikpapan, Kupang and Makassar.

Maintaining Shared Standards

National training establishes learning objectives, core materials, the scope of learning and supporting tools that must remain consistent. This shared framework protects key messages as materials pass from one group to another. Consistency does not mean that every session must be identical. Language, examples, pace, methods and simulations can be adapted to participants’ experience. What must be maintained are the agreed objectives, core principles and quality standards.

Facilitators as a Link

Facilitators connect learning materials with practice. They need to understand the subject matter, manage discussions, observe participants’ difficulties and explain concepts in relevant ways. ToT activities should therefore develop facilitation skills rather than simply require participants to memorise modules. Case studies, demonstrations, simulations, teaching practice and peer feedback help facilitators try out their roles before supporting other groups. Follow-up mentoring is also important when new questions emerge in the field.

Local Adaptation Without Losing Sight of Objectives

Each training region has different local foods, habits, languages, access, facilities and challenges. Drawing on examples close to participants’ lives makes the material easier to understand. Regional and local facilitators help translate general principles into real situations without changing safety messages or mandatory standards. Effective adaptations need to be documented. Successful local examples can be shared, while confusing sections can inform improvements to modules at the next level.

Feedback Helps the System Learn

Cascading training is often seen as a one-way flow from the centre to the regions. A healthy system also brings regional learning back to the centre. Facilitators’ notes, practical results, recurring questions and implementation constraints reveal areas that need clarification or updating. With a two-way flow, training goes beyond the number of sessions or participants. Success is assessed through the quality of learning, participants’ ability to apply principles safely, and improvements in materials and support over time.

Explore CoE-PGN programmes, articles, events and knowledge resources to find the starting point that best meets your needs.